Why do I need an outdoor rug? An outdoor rug serves the same purpose as an indoor area rug: it pulls your seating area together into a single, unified space that's inviting and comfortable. It shows an attention to detail, allowing you to create a truly personalized decor for your yard.
Outdoor rugs are not often waterproof. But they are water resistant. Simply put, they absorb less water than most indoor rugs, and they dry a lot quicker after getting wet. Thanks to these characteristics outdoor rugs can be left outside and stay outside even in the rain.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
Protect decks
Your outdoor decking is better protected when there's a rug over it to keep the sunrays and all elements from taking their toll on the wood. And so, an outdoor carpet makes absolute sense when there isn't a wooden pergola to protect the deck or the deck is directly exposed to the elements.
The outdoor materials are made from a material that is tough and can withstand the various elements that Mother Nature throws at them. Indoor rugs are made from a softer material, and this is because they are mostly kept away from the harsh elements outside the house.
Can Indoor rugs be used outside? No, indoor rugs are not made to withstand the elements – rain and sun – of the outdoors. The sun can fade them. The rain can cause watermarks and the fibers to disintegrate.
Outdoor rugs can be used indoors. They are durable, weather and UV resistant, easy to clean and come in a host of great designs and colors, making them ideal in high footfall indoor areas like kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and living rooms. Synthetic fibers mean they are also less prone to mold.
An outdoor rug won't exactly damage your concrete patio, but it could cause the surface to darken. If moisture becomes trapped under the rug, it will seep into the porous concrete and change its appearance.
Generally synthetic outdoor rug materials are safe for wood decks. They do not absorb water and dry quickly. You only need to make sure they dry both the top and bottom by flipping it over. In addition, make sure no water gets trapped between the rug backing and deck to prevent rotting and mildew.
Don't Forget to Move Furniture and Rugs
This will keep the deck from uneven fading and also cut down on moisture-related problems such as rot and mold.
They can certainly handle some moisture and even a rain shower, but remember that all natural fiber rugs, when exposed to moisture, are prone to mildew. Mildew will eventually cause the rug to discolor, smell bad and decompose.
This is because wet environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. You'll know your outdoor rugs have mold growing on them if you see circular stains of brown, green, or black within the fibers, or if you detect a pungent, musty smell.
Although outdoor rugs are typically mold and mildew resistant, the dirt and moisture that accumulates on them is where these pesky fungi can grow. When cleaning an outdoor rug with mildew, dirt, stains and general grime, some common household items that people reach for include dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda.
Outdoor rugs are manufactured in a way that can survive through any season and withstand rain, hailstorm, snow, or scorching sun and can be left outside all year round.
Durability: Outdoor carpet is one of the toughest materials out there. It's built to handle the elements and high traffic. It's water-resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and UV stable.
You might be surprised to hear that bugs are attracted to rugs. Rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Bugs like rugs because they're soft, warm, and welcoming. Bugs don't have legs so they like to sit on things that feel good, and rugs are a comfortable place to sit after a long day of being a bug.
What is Olefin Carpet? Olefin is a synthetic (manufactured) material. It's also known as polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic used to make a wide range of household products, medical devices and more. Because it's derived from plastic, olefin carpet is best installed in places with the potential for water damage.
Will an outdoor rug damage a paver? Using an outdoor rug on a paver surface will not damage the surface of the paver nor will it damage the rug. If the paver has a lot of cracks, though, and you have a heavier rug (like one made with coconut fiber), that could cause damage to the paver.
However, if we take into consideration that outdoor carpet flooring experiences increased stress, both from nature and everyday use, the lifespan of indoor and outdoor carpets is about the same—15-25 years if properly maintained.
Unlike jute, seagrass and other indoor rug materials, synthetic fibers in outdoor rugs are manufactured – but like jute, seagrass and cotton, synthetic fibers are also completely free of dangerous toxins.
Outdoor rugs may be small 2'x3′ throw rugs placed by the door to 11'x14′ area rugs suitable for a dining or party space. Leave 30″ from the edge of the rug to the edge of a dining table to allow guests to easily pull chairs in and out from under the table. Use a runner to add comfort and visual interest to a balcony.
A majority of outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials. Typically, this means acrylic, nylon, polyester or man-made polypropylene. These types of outdoor rugs are popular due to their durabilty and affordability.
Most indoor/outdoor carpets are mold and mildew resistant, but mold and mildew can still pop up. It typically depends on the type of carpet backing you have. If you are going to purchase indoor/outdoor carpet and install it in an area that is typically wet, you will need to buy marine carpet backing.
The good news is you don't have to run out and buy a new rug. You can waterproof your current area rug, making it more resistant to water, training, and heavy foot traffic.